Recruiting and Workout Update Interview with 3-Star 2021 QB Donovan Smith
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Whatever term one wants to apply, overlooked, under the radar, missed on – whatever, that is what Class of 2021 quarterback Donovan Smith is experiencing. The three-star prospect has consistently shown improvement in his game from his freshman season with Diamond Ranch to his junior campaign with Los Osos (CA) and continues to work as hard as anyone else to keep developing to an elite level. The 2019 season saw Smith complete 64 percent of his passes covering 2,517 yards with 19 touchdowns tossed with five individual trips into the end zone. The 6-3, 215-pound, field general has three offers extended with interest from Mountain West and Pac-12 programs.
In an RNG update interview, Smith steps into the RNG Lab for a one-on-one covering ground on his spring workouts and recruiting.
*Click the link for the March 11, 2020, RNG video interview with Donovan Smith
Interview
Donovan, since we last caught up in mid-March, what have you been working on with the technical aspects of your game?
“I have been going to training three to four times a week getting my mechanics down and making sure I can make every throw my team needs and colleges want me to make. This offseason I have been practicing that every day. I have also been trying to get faster by jump roping and running in front of my house every day.”
Where are you seeing the improvements with your mechanics and footwork?
“My release is a lot quicker and my drops are getting way better; they are crispy. I can do any drop.”
How have you pushed forward your knowledge of the game this spring?
“My dad is very close friends with Jason Brown (Last Chance U). I go to his house twice a week breaking down film, going over protections, coverages, technique, and fronts. On my own, I watch last year’s film to see the stuff I missed, like a blown coverage. I may have missed a play so I am studying it so I can be sharper for next season.”
What offensive set will you guide the Grizzlies through in 2020?
“This year still be in the Spread.”
Within the scheme, what are some of the routes your skill corps will run?
“We will be running a lot of quick RPO (run-pass option) routes like slants, hitches, and quick outs and on the deep routes, routes like seams and posts.”
How are you developing chemistry this offseason for best results on the field this fall?
“We try to go once or twice a week to run routes and get our chemistry down. We have a lot of new receivers this year. I am trying to help them get ready and to get our timing down so we are not behind at camp.”
Let’s dig into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Fresno State and Colorado.”
How many offers have been handed to you?
“Three – Cal and Boston College, and I picked up North Carolina Central in May.”
From the time we last spoke, in that small window of time, did you get to visit any programs?
“No, I was going to Boise State but the trip was cancelled.”
When the opportunity opens back up, are there any planned visits official or unofficial?
“Unofficial visits to Fresno State, Colorado, Boise State and I do want to see North Carolina Central to see the atmosphere.”
With all the hard work you are putting into your skillset this offseason, what goals have you set for yourself?
“This season I want to break all the all-time school record for passing; I am 1,600 yards away. I want to get my rushing yards up; I want to rush for 500 to 1,000 yards. And, I want 30 touchdown passes with a 70 or better completion percentage.”
For the college coaches out there who may not know you or know you well, what message do you have for them about the person, player, quarterback, and leader that you are for Los Osos?
“I want them to know I am a great leader, I know how to rally guys and I know how to make them better, and that I am a hard worker. In the weight room, on the field, in the classroom, I never slack and I am the first there last to leave player. I love the game and I am a competitor.”
Donovan, always great getting time with you catching up on your progress. Wishing you and the team continued success this summer preparing for the 2020 season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Donovan Smith